Special Haematology

The special haematology laboratory located on the Freeman site provides a number of specialist assays for the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the wider north east region

These include

ADAMTS13 assay

ELISA assay for the determination of the level of ADAMTS13 in plasma. Used for evaluating potential causes of Microangiopathic Haemolytic Anaemia especially in the differentiating between TTP and aHUS

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ELISA

A confirmatory ELISA assay used for verifying positive results with the automated screening assay in cases of suspected HIT

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)

A signal protein produced by cells to stimulate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, it is up regulated in many tumours and may be useful in following disease progression/treatment response in selected disorders

Thrombophilia testing

• Proteins C and S
• Anti-thrombin III
• Activated Protein Resistance Clotting assay
• Anti-cardiolipin and B2 Glycoprotein 1 assays

Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

An ELISA assay for the detection of antibodies to Intrinsic Factor is patients suspected of having pernicious anaemia (PA)

Erythropoietin

An assay to determine the levels of the glycoprotein hormone Erythropoietin, which controls erythropoiesis.

This section is also used as a development laboratory and evaluates new tests/procedures before they are introduced into the routine area

The section is led by a Health Care scientist with extensive experience in Haematology and Haemostasis testing

Clinical interpretation of results from assays in this section are performed by the consultant Haematology team working in blood sciences